Reflux drugs linked to C difficile-related diarrhea

摘要

Patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may be at increased risk of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea, according to a safety communication from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (http://tinyurl.com/7w5hrwk). Based on a review of reports to the FDA's Adverse Events Reporting System (AERS) and in the scientific literature, the agency has found that use of PPIs, which are used to treat gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is associated with an increased risk of C difficile-associated diarrhea. The labels for this class of drugs, which are available by prescription and over-the-counter, will be updated to reflect this risk.